Welfare of your hunting dog: Travelling with your hunting dog
Hunting often requires travelling long distances into rural areas. When travelling with your dog, you must ensure that they are safe and comfortable. Most dogs are transported in metal dog crates on the back of a utility or inside the rear canopy.
If transporting your dog in a crate, it is important that your dog has enough room to move around safely and has sufficient shade and shelter. The biggest welfare risks associated with crate transport are heat exhaustion and dehydration from the confined space and metal surfaces.
When travelling with your dog, you should:
- avoid feeding your dog immediately before you travel in order to avoid upset stomachs
- provide comfortable bedding
- take breaks every two hours
- provide fresh water and bathroom time during each break
- ensure your dog has protection from the cold, heat, rain and inhaling dust and fumes
- provide adequate ventilation if they are being transported in an enclosed section of the vehicle
- never leave them unrestrained on the back of the vehicle.
